At the Ichikawa Zoo in Japan, a Japanese macaque known by millions online as “Punch” or “Punch-kun” has taken hearts with his story and doll. From starting with his mother’s abandonment, followed by his ridicule from the rest of his troop, Punch the Monkey is alone with nothing but a doll resembling a monkey. 

Rise to fame?

Punch’s rise to fame came instantaneously. In February 2026, multiple people fell for his tragic story. With news all over the world, videos covering the animal, and accounts dedicated to him, Punch has cemented himself as a global sensation around the world. The Ichikawa Zoo has blown up in popularity since his rise to fame; however, the zoo hasn’t shown to capitalize off this. With a spike in popularity in this animal, it’s not hard to wonder why. He’s adorable, with a sad story and TONS of edits made of him, abandonment of his mom as well as bullies from his peers, to the adorable plushie, but why him? And why do the others bite and hit him? Where’s the mom?

Behavior

Part of Punch’s story is the abandonment of his mother…but why? Well, there were multiple factors to this, such as being in captivity. Animals in general don’t handle well in cages, especially smart ones like primates. Abandonment by the mother could be because of stress and mental state. Animals CAN feel too. Another misconception is that Punch is being bullied as a way people bully each other. According to the Winston National Primate Research Center, the Japanese macaque has a hierarchy of social order. In it, baby male monkeys would be picked on; however, the moms are there to protect them. In this case, Punch’s mother neglects him, leaving him alone with the other troop.

How is he now?

Punch the Monkey is thriving. He still lives in the Ichikawa Zoo and, despite his popularity, is still treated like all the others. Things have gone better for him since the fame; he’s more known around his troop, leading to some better treatment. In fact, as of March 11, 2026, people have seen him with another monkey named Moe or Momo-chan, with people wondering if they are friends or a new girlfriend.

Regardless, he still keeps in touch with the same doll that made him famous. Punch has come a long way, and who knows what the future brings.